Air Station

I am sloooowly getting my tool arsenal built up. This project is an example of how slow this can be at times. I had been wanting an air compressor & nailers for some time, and had been doing some homework on what “might” be the best for the amount of use that I “might” put it through. I had it narrowed down to a couple of combo packs, but just couldn’t pull the trigger. In the mean time, I found this air compressor storage design in a wood magazine last year, and built it in November ‘08. I mounted it to the wall with lag screws and washers. Its empty carcass stared at me every time I entered the garage. I kept watching the prices of the combos (bostich vs rigid). My wife came to the rescue at Christmas that year. She had undoubtedly heard enough of my debate to determine that bostich was in the lead, and man was I happy when I opened this present!

Oh yeah, back to the “project”. It is made from simple construction grade plywood and has a poplar trim around the top that also acts as a stop in case the compressor tries to walk off. The air hose storage “bracket” is made of the same plywood and is simply stacked half-moon cut outs with the outer one being larger.

I thinks it’s great,,I just had a thought,,I put my nail guns in a nice cab i just built, but my air compressor is across the room on the floor..hmmmm,,, I’ll have to build one like yours..saw 3/4” ply on sale at HD for 23.00 bucks a 4×8 sheet..

Wooddude:This is an interesting project; one I’m wrestling with too. I have had a Porter Cable combo for about a year and want to get it off the floor. 2 questions that I have.1. My PC requires that I open a valve on the bottom to let out excess air and moisture when not using it for a bit. If you have to do that with your Bostich does that present any problems?2. My PC dances quite abit on the floor. Is vibration an issue for this build? Thanks

Wonderful idea. I would like something like this too. All my nailers and other air tools are stored in suitcases all over the place. This looks like a great way to organize them, not to mention having them handy for instant use. Thanks for posting this.

Thanks for the comments. The plan is in the Nov ‘08 issue of The Family Handyman.Gary, I said above that Rigid was the other competitor, but I remember now that it was actually Porter Cable. 1. My tank also has a drain valve on the bottom. Every now and then, I stand on something to reach the compressor, & blow it down a little with rag covering the drain line. One day, I plan on adding some plumbing to the drain line so that I can blow it down from the floor.2. Mine is pretty steady when it runs. If it ever does start dancing around, I will likely just strap it down with some bungee cords.

Neil, its a dangerous game we play though when it comes to tools. What if she had come through with a $10 combo from the flea market!! It sounds like you were following the rules though by giving her a “thorough education”. Have you tried showing her the testimonial videos of the saw stop?

WD:You are going to want to drain the water out of your little beast REGULARLY. I live in California, not known for the humidity and I will get a couple of tablespoons of water after 40 or 50 cycles. I drain every day unless I’m, for sure, going to be using it the next day.